What is that brief little 'Bloop' sound during telemarketing calls?

Ever wondered why during a telemarketing call, you hear a 'bloop' sound before the person answers? This article aims to demystify the phenomenon and provide tips for better call handling and preventing telemarketing scams.

The Role of Asterisk VoIP PBX Software in Telemarketing

Telemarketers and scammers often use a system built on the popular Asterisk VoIP PBX (Private Branch Exchange) software. When the agent or scammer logs into the system, they are dropped into a 'conference room'

When you hear this sound, it’s usually a sign that the call is being transferred. What you're hearing is the automated system initially processing the connection and then connecting the live operator. If you hear a delay before the person picks up, hang up. The delay could indicate that the machine is handing off the call to a human agent at the other end.

Technical Explanation of the 'Bloop' Sound

The 'bloop' sound you hear is typically the result of how the connection is set up between the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and the supervisory signals. When you initially hear the 'bloop' sound, it is usually the residual echo of a signal being reflected in the 2-wire to 4-wire interface at the 'far end' of the call. This is common in long-distance calls.

In most cases, long-distance network circuits are designed to be 4-wire audio circuits, where the transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) pairs are isolated from each other. This is done to minimize reflections and feedback. However, occasionally the gain on the amplifiers is set too high, leading to the hearing of the carrier tone at about 4kHz when the call connects.

How Telemarketers Use the 'Bloop' Sound

There's a common strategy used by telemarketers to understand how to proceed during a call. If you answer with a human voice, it signals to the machine that there is a potential 'sucker' on the line. The machine will then connect you with a call center and a live person. This is accomplished through a series of sounds and processing.

The 'bloop' sound could be what the answering machine on the other end is emitting as it processes and connects the call to an operator. This sound is a key indicator that you're about to be connected to a live operator. It’s usually a sign to hang up immediately if you do not recognize the number or do not wish to continue the call.

Tips for Handling Telemarketing Calls

Here are steps you can take to handle telemarketing calls more effectively and safeguard against scams:

Hang up immediately if you hear a delay after saying 'hello'. Often, a delay means the machine is re-routing the call to a human operator. Block the calls from unknown numbers. Most smartphones and call-blocking apps have features to block numbers you don’t want to receive calls from. Report the call as spam. Nearly all voicemail or answering systems have an option to report the call as spam, which can lead to the number being blacklisted. Ask for the scammers' information. If you engage with the call, ask for their name and the company they represent. Demand that they remove your number from their list and not call you again. Register on the National Do Not Call Registry. This service is managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and can significantly reduce the number of nuisance calls you receive.

Conclusion

The bloop sound during telemarketing calls, often followed by a delay, is your signal to get off the line if you’re not truly interested in the offer. Staying informed and taking action can help you navigate these calls more effectively, reducing your risk of encountering scams. Remember, it's important to be cautious and vigilant when dealing with unfamiliar calls.